Ptolemy of Mauretania

Ptolemy of Mauretania, (born before 19 bce, Numidia—died 40 ce), North African client ruler for Rome (23–40 ce) who assisted Roman forces in suppressing a Berber revolt in Numidia and Mauretania but was assassinated in 40 ce after arousing the jealousy of the Roman emperor Caligula. He was the last known living descendant of the famous Cleopatra VII of Egypt and of the Ptolemaic royal family.

Ptolemy was the son of Juba II, the scholarly king of Numidia (a country approximately corresponding to modern Algeria), and Cleopatra Selene, the daughter of Mark Antony, the Roman triumvir of the East, and Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt. After receiving a thorough Hellenistic education, Ptolemy succeeded to the throne of Mauretania, a client kingdom of Rome to which the Romans had transferred his father from his native Numidia.

When a guerrilla war that had erupted in 17 ce in Numidia spread into Mauretania, Ptolemy was in 24 mobilized with his auxiliary forces by the Roman governor of Africa, who utilized the rebels’ own tactics to end the uprising. In recognition for his services, Ptolemy was confirmed as king and an ally and friend of the empire; but he was assassinated by order of Caligula. Following his death a fresh revolt erupted in Mauretania, after which the country was organized into two provinces.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen, Corrections Manager.

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